Pilot Debrief

CHAMPION 7GCAA near Shelbyville, IN — 2009-06-29

Final reportCEN09LA396
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Date
2009-06-29
Location
Shelbyville, IN, USA
Aircraft
CHAMPION 7GCAA
Registration
N9085L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the mixture control cable. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance on the airplane and the pilot's decision to operate the airplane in a condition that was not airworthy.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and a student pilot were practicing a simulated engine out maneuver. At 150 feet above ground level, the pilot increased the engine power but the engine did not respond. The pilot then attempted a forced landing to a field. During the landing flare, "the engine tried to come back..." After touchdown, the airplane ground-looped and sustained substantial damage. Examination of the engine revealed the mixture cable had fractured and separated. The airframe records showed the airplane's last annual inspection had not been completed in the preceding 12 months. Prior to the flight, the pilot had not reviewed the airplane logbooks to determine if the airplane was airworthy.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not review airplane logbooks for airworthiness before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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